Front end staff and servers are great. Manager is unprofessional. Sandwiches are great on some days and just "meh" on others. Breakfast bowls are not good. Restaurant is clean. Nice ambiance. read more

Just what this neighborhood needed! As my family were house hunting and waiting for our agent, we literally stumbled upon this coffee shop and was looking to just get a few bottles of water. I figured it would be a cute little coffee shop and nothing more. Was I surprised!!! With all of these Delicious Sandwhiches on the board, we had to order a few for dinner and we didn't have one sandwhich that wasn't good. The staff were great.. the ambiance was fantastic and I do believe that they have free internet. It's great to see Coffee shops like these instead of the standard "Commercial" coffee shops. If we do decide to purchase a place in the area, I'm sure that I'll walk here daily. read more

Great coffee teas and sandwiches! Chill atmosphere too. Moderate sandwich service speed though.

They need to polish up on the customer service.... ordered online and they made the order incorrectly. Tried to get it corrected but some guy claiming to be the owner was a real douche bag with zero people skills. The owner literally told me f-u-c-k you when I objected to his rude tone regarding an order they made incorrectly. He hung up in my face and I had to call 5 times to find out how to get my order correct, so I asked if I needed to come over there and he said he'd call the police and knows what my address is. He scolded me and said I need to listen to him. At that point I said to him you are clearly a racist. He kept saying I don't know what your race is and I said you are a white man and you know I am black and would never talk to a white customer this way. I finally got a refund from DoorDash after he refused to give the new Dasher a remake of my order.... he told her I was an a-s-s-h-o-l-e and they were not remaking my order. I guess Blacks who live South of his shop don't deserve customer service or respect. Hey man don't let those Ratings go to your head.... you can still go out of business if you keep being a Jerk! read more

I'm angry it took me so long to find out about this place! I had the breakfast bowl which was fresh and delicious. The vibe is very inviting and chic all while still being authentic to the neighborhood. I really enjoyed my breakfast and will def be back for dinner! read more

This place is close to where my sister lives, so we decided to get some coffee and breakfast here on a Sunday morning. It was mostly empty when we arrived so we were able to order quickly. I had the Robust Breakfast Bowl and my sister had Biscuits and Gravy. Both hit the spot. The coffee was very good as well. What I like most is the atmosphere inside, it had a cool vibe and unique character. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

Great! A wonderful addition to this much needed neighborhood. Very nice interior design, and nice layout. Good food nice people working here and a great place. Do visit this place for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Reasonable priced and good healthy selection of food. Good job Derek! read more

I've been back several times since my first review and I have thus far been pleased. I stopped by Friday and had the turkey sandwich with I believe cranberry mayo. It was quite delicious. The coffee is pretty good as well. I have had breakfast sandwiches on previous visits and they were good also. I have to be more diligent about writing my reviews in a timely fashion because I don't want to forget anything. read more

This is my sister and I go to spot for tea/ coffee and catching up. We usually walk over since I live 3 blocks away. Great coffee drinks, yesterday I had a regular grilled cheese and tomato sandwich which was good. The service is good although I've heard of others having a bad experience here. I think its a great neighborhood joint that deserves the good reviews it has earned. read more

One of those really happy surprises... when you end up in a neighborhood you've never been in before at 8:30am on a Saturday morning with just enough time for coffee, and yelp informs you that there's a non-Starbucks coffee shop nearby. The only thing I was really bummed about was that I had to grab and go; the space inside was great and I could definitely see myself sitting in there for an hour or a few at a time. I had an iced latte which was totally solid, and this ridiculous donut which kept me powered up all through my morning. Three cheers for independent coffee shops kicking ass! Especially at 63rd and woodlawn! read more

I love this place! Amazing coffee, free wifi, nice staff, big windows, easy parking, spacious vibe - highly recommended!

I live on the Northside, when I started working in the Woodlawn/Englewood area I needed a getaway from the office and a place to catch a breath. Just coming across the building I tried a sandwich and coffee back in the summer, been going ever since. Price is right, their selection is pretty wide, having lots of choices for sandwiches and brunch/lunch options. Oh and the coffee is on POINT. read more

WORST COFFEE SHOP EVER, I wish I could give them negative stars..there was only one person ahead of me and We both had to wait ten minutes for someone to acknowledge us...I then had to wait another ten minutes in line once my order was taken. After waiting patiently for ten min. I asked to speak to the manager for a refund for the long wait and he told me that I was impatient and needed to wait and would not give me a refund. I believe his name was jake or Jeff , white guy (slim) brown hair with glasses...he then proceeded to make other drinks for for people who ordered after me. Then he asked me what did I order . Also, there was no where to sit because the place is crowded with teenagers who don't buy anything.bottom line is go to Starbucks and not patronize this neighborhood business...this place deserves no stars and the employees at Starbucks acknowledge their customers!!!!!! read more

Today was the worst experience I've had in coming here (been a loyal customer for over a year)! Up until 3 days ago, I hadn't tried the pancakes but they were DELICIOUS! The best I'd had in a long time - light in color and in texture, flavorful, golden and the size of the entire plate, almost. Today, however, after 2 attempts I received smaller cakes that were black/dark brown (crisp on the edges) and not flavorful - along with an irritated look at the employee that had to take them back. I didn't even eat the second batch because I was so irritated that I drove all the way from the South Loop just to have these either those delicious golden pancakes again OR a golden waffle. I was sooooo upset about leaving there hungry - having to stop somewhere else after passing up the Pancake House and Chicken and Waffles. Total waste of money, gas and time today. read more

My goto morning coffee and donut shop! In the Woodlawn community, mostly utilized by University of Chicago students and staff. Nice place to study, work, or read. Staff members are friendly and inviting read more

I love coming here to study but it seems like the bathroom is never clean. Also the floor in the back part of the shop is really dirty. If it's not going to be cleaned everyday at least aim for every other day. read more

I've been an avid fan of Robust for years now. The drinks are cheap (or at least cheaper than Starbucks) and I've never had a problem with my order. The sandwiches are great - my go to's are the sausage biscuit and the BBQ Betty. They run a variety of promotions ($5 sandwiches after a certain time, half price coffee at certain times) so check their fb page before you drop by. read more

Robust has a great selection of coffees, teas, refreshing beverages, and sandwiches (both breakfast and lunch). I was visiting my sister for a week and came here twice -- once to hang out and another time to sit and do work for a few hours. There is plenty of seating in the back room and the staff are very friendly. It's also a pretty affordable place for the quality you receive. I will be coming here for sure when I am in town. read more

Really nice neighborhood spot for quick and tasty food and coffee. Staff is extremely friendly and the place is clean and eclectic

I really like this place, but we tried to get seated today about 4pm and it was impossible. The line to order was all the way to the door. We got back in the car and went to Greenline. read more

Open atmosphere. Decent food selection along of course with coffee and smoothies. Friendly staff and clientele.

This cafe has the worst customer service ever. My daughter purchased something to eat and was told to eat it outside. The employee here along with the owner talks to people as if we're nothing. Thumbs Down read more

Stopped in yesterday and had the brisket grilled cheese. Wonderful flavor and award winning item! I patronize this place often and am never disappointed! Cozy atmosphere, nice music, free WiFi. I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the neighborhood. read more

Robust is such a good coffee shop and workspace. It's totally underutilized by the UofC students, who generally go to the overpriced Plein Air when they want a coffeeshop experience or Build in Woodlawn when they feel like getting out of the 'bubble' of HP. Robust has a ton of food options for every time of day- breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks. Their drink menu is similarly extensive, covering smoothies, extravagant coffee drinks, and plain ol drip. The breakfast sandwiches can be under 5$ if you do em right! And the food, though not oh-my-god-spectacular, is pretty darn good for the price. They have so many seats in two separate rooms for studying- I like the front room better for its natural light and friendly energy, although if you want some more privacy and a more formal experience, you can go to their back dining room. Robust is a great place to post up with some homework on a slow weekend and people watch. Highly recommend for a change from the usual! read more

Our family enjoyed a light snack here on a weekday evening, when business seemed slow. They feature a quiche of the day, made-to-order Belgian waffles and a modest selection of sandwiches, along with a wide selection of espresso drinks, coffee and smoothies. My kids loved their smoothies and I liked the broccoli and cheddar quiche, but I selected that dish because they were out of fixings for three of their sandwich choices. The dining area is comfortable and clean. They seem on the right track and just need to find the right blend of coffee and food to establish themselves further. read more

I just love this place! Great coffee, and the best waffle I have had in a long time! Very much needed in the woodlawn area! S/n the coffee is .better that Starbucks! read more

I called four times to order a sandwich. I couldn't get through. When i arrived and ordered i was told i should have called. Simple sandwich took a long time like 15 minutes. The manager told me i should ve called ugh...poor slow service. read more

Yes!! Finally! Great tasting coffee in my neighborhood! This spot is pretty cool. Right away I felt like this would be a nice place to hang out with my sisters. The lounge is spacious and very well put together. read more

Solid place, competes with all of the great coffee shops on the North Side without the inconvenience of parking/crowds AND without the price tag. You can get a sandwich and a coffee for about $5 here. read more

Great coffee, most accommodating and friendly service, clever food items. I suspect lox, bagels and cream cheese will be novelties for a while in this neighborhood. The chicken salad is a winner. Easy street parking as well. The place has the potential to be a late-night student favorite. read more

I give this place a definite A-Ok! One star for the set up and location. It's great to see a new business in the neighborhood and the set up is great for reading, working, or chatting with friends (except for what seems to be high school happy hour in the late afternoons). A second star for the great coffee and selection of coffee drinks. They get a third star for the sandwiches, waffles and other items they make! They drop a star from me for the stuff they clearly have brought in like the spinach croissants. One little toothpaste stripe of spinach and cheese down the center of a mediocre croissant does not compete with the home-made, overflowing, fresh-baked offerings you get just blocks away at The Medici. That said, the Medici can't compete with the space and relaxed atmosphere, morning till mid-day and on weekends. Wow me with live acoustic music and you get 5 stars! Definitely stop in. read more

The breakfast sandwich is amazing, I went there for the first time today and asked what they suggested usually when I ask what people suggest they suggest the pricey stuff on the menu. But when I robust they suggested on of the cheaper items and it was amazing they really know what there find I'm looking forward to coming back read more

- Angry employees - Subpar cleanliness - Overpriced drinks - Cute atmosphere - Community book exchange I was recently at Robust and although the food and drink are decent, the service simply isn't acceptable. An employee went to the back (out of view of the customers) and LOUDLY yelled obscenities. The whole cafe could hear him as he apparently kicked things in the back room. Sure, we couldn't seem him, but it since everyone could hear his tantrum it made the cafe uncomfortable. read more

10 points for Circuses and 9 points for creative drinks and prices. The food is awesome, that Spinach and Cheese croissant is the bomb!! I have been holding business meetings at the Coffee Lounge since they opened their doors. My constituents have been holding their meetings at Robust after I took them there. My condo Board meetings are held there and all other meetings I am involved in. This is a self-appointed Safe Haven for children after school and they sit and wait for their parents to come pick them up. The Coffee Lounge has space for teachers to hold class, great diversion for kids to learn in an environment outside the classroom!! I've seen a wedding party take wedding photos with the wedding party...a little odd, but true!! Developers hold their meetings there, jewelry artists sit with laptop and jewelry making equipment while sipping on a beverage, I have met wonderful folks in there who frequent the place as much as me. The owners are in their late 20's and are doing an awesome job in the community!! Carol read more

I have been here twice and the food is good and the tea I had was nice; I don't drink coffee. There is not enough seating because they are always crowded. I couldn't plug up my laptop because it has 3 prongs and the provided extension cords had 2. Also, they looked pretty old wouldn't have chanced it. This place is good for a sandwich and to meet up with a friend. It looks more for young kids than the business/professional crowd it attracts. read more

Robust is my goto spot when I want a change of scenery from my home office. There's always something good to eat (and good for me) but then there's also those pastries they bring in from Brown Sugar Bakery that always tempt me to indulge. The space is well designed and there's plenty of room to socialize or get stuff done. The staff is fast and friendly. The location is perfect. It's a community hub so there's always a circle of folks chatting about big ideas and having meetings there, so it's not a bad place to network either. I highly recommend Robust! read more

I'm new to the area and I've heard nothing but good things about this place and decided to stop in this evening. The service was a bit rude, i felt a bit rushed so i just picked anything. It was a good 45 minutes before closing so maybe I'll just try again during the day read more

I just ordered a strawberry/banana smoothie from Robust on 63rd and woodland and it was very disappointing! It was watery and flavorless. Considering the price this should have been the bomb, so this will be a hard NO next time if it wasn't for the fact I like the people and the other food I wouldn't be back. read more

I've been to Robust in Woodlawn a few times when visiting my sister at University of Chicago. While the food can be a bit inconsistent at times, overall I've left really satisfied. Coffee is fantastic. Vibes are egalitarian and academic. I'd say this is one of the few places in and around U Chicago that local residents and students genuinely interact. Staff has always been very friendly and accommodating. read more

Today I experienced petty customer service. So I will likely not visit my favorite spot to drop $10-15 per visit on chai tea and a robust bowl. After having good experiences I've brought new customers to the store and today I was treated rather shabbily over a loyalty punch reward card of all things. I had no idea that the rewards were available until the friend I brought for the second day received one. I asked staff if I could get credit for the purchase that I made yesterday with proof of purchase(not to mention they remembered us from the previous day) and was told we can't do that. Now mind you I've bought more than a dozen drinks directly and via my significant other in the last month. But two punches with proof was beyond their capacity for customer loyalty promotion. I may never visit again. The attitude was kind of like I was asking for something I had not earned or it was too bad that I hadn't noticed the cards before. It was not the tone that a loyal customer should receive. read more